Apparatus for selectively receiving and aligning packages

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method of selectively feeding and presenting individual packages, processed by a previous packaging operation in alignment for a subsequent wrapping operation. The apparatus includes two different control systems where one or more packages are taken under control of the first control system and presented to a second control system which feeds the packages to the subsequent wrapping operation. The two control systems are driven at different speeds so that a uniform feeding of the aligned packages is presented to the wrapping operation.

its titties tat Inventors Wolfgang ll-lloffrnann Beaconsfield; CesarEduard Purlchardt, Ville De Laval,

lDnrvenay, Quebec, Canada Appl. No. 722,589

Filed Apr. 19, 1968 Patented Apr. 20, 19711 Assignee Canadianlitter-national Paper Company Montreal, Quebec, Qanada Priority Feb.29., 1966 Canada 13,690

APPARATUS lFfiR SELEQTWELY RECEIVKNG' AND 1411161 111 16 PACKAGES 4"Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 198/34, I 198/164,198/172 lint. til ..L ..1B65g 417/26, 865g19/26 Field of Search 198/34, 160, 162, 165

[56} References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,352,403 1 1/1967 Blake198/34 3,016,665 1/1962 Barrett 198/34 3,106,279 10/1963 Cross 198/343,424,293 1/1969 Deutschlander 198/34 Primary Examiner-Even C. BlunkAssistant Examiner-Roger S. Gaither Attorney-Alan Swabey 41111611111111:An apparatus and method of selectively feeding and presenting individualpackages, processed by a previous packaging operation in alignment for asubsequent wrapping operation. The apparatus includes two differentcontrol systems where one or more packages are taken under control ofthe first control system and presented to a second control system whichfeeds the packages to the subsequent wrapping operation. The two controlsystems are driven at different speeds so that a uniform feeding of thealigned packages is presented to the wrapping operation.

PATENTED APR 20 l97| SHEET 1 BF 4 INVENTORS WOL FGA/VG A oFFMAA/A/ CESAR0U/IED PUPK AARDT ATTORNEY PATENTEUAPMOIQYI 3575278 I SHEET 2 OF 4INVENTORS WOLFGANG HUFFMAN/V (ES/JP EDI/4P0 PUP/(M4207 PATENTEU men |smsum 3UF 4 INVENTORS WOL FGA N6 HOFFMAN/V (ES/1R EDUAED PORK/164 07ATTORNEY APPARATUS IFUIR SIEILIECTIIVIEILY RECEIVING AND AMGNIINGIPACI'IAG IES This invention relates to an apparatus and method.

More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus and method forselectively feeding and aligning packages and presenting them to awrapping apparatus where two or more of the packages are bundledtogether to form a wrapped article.

In the production and wrapping of a commodity in individual packages,for example, individual portions of foodstuffs, and manufacturer andprocessor of the commodity processes the commodity in an individualpackage using equipment and methods known in this art, and then, orsubsequently, wraps several packages together to form a bundle forshipment to a retailer or similar. The bundle of packages is usuallyformed at the same site where the individual packages are manufactured.

Very frequently the operation of assembling two or more individualpackages to form an array or bundle for feeding to a wrapping machine isaccomplished manually. This manual operation results in relatively highlabor costs and a much slower overall operation than if such a stepwould be accomplished automatically. Moreover, such a manual operationcannot normally keep up with the wrapping speed or capacity of awrapping machine, whereby the overall operation is operating at lessthan full capacity.

Applicants have now developed a wrapping apparatus and method wherebyindividual packages are selectively fed and aligned, as the packages areproduced and received from a prior operation (e.g. a package fillingoperation), and presented to a wrapping machine. The apparatus andmethod of this invention thereby overcomes the disadvantages of manualmethods, and in addition, allows a completely automated operation fromthe time the individual packages are formed to the time they are wrappedin a bundle for shipment. In addition, and most importantly, theapparatus and method of this invention permits continuous inline feedingand alignment of one or more individual packages, thus ensuring properfeeding to a wrapping apparatus even though the packages are initiallyindeterminately fed; and consequently permitting a high-volume wrappingoperation.

More particularly, the apparatus of this invention comprises apackage-supporting surface having a package discharge and receiving end,the surface being adapted to support the packages between both ends,first package control means above the surface for receiving, controllingand advancing a package through an initial portion of the apparatus andwhich first control means comprises means for engaging the forward orleading end of a package presented to the apparatus, and cooperatingsecond package-engaging means for presenting the package to a secondcontrol means. The apparatus also includes driving means for drivingfirst and second control means of the first package-engaging means inoperative relationship whereby the leading edge of a package fed to theapparatus is taken under control means and permitted to advance withinthe apparatus a predetermined distance, followed by the secondcooperating control means presenting the package to a secondpackage-engaging means.

The apparatus also includes second package-engaging means beneath thesupporting surface for advancing and controlling the package through thebalance of the apparatus. This second package control means alsocomprises packageengaging means for receiving and advancing a package tobe presented between second package-engaging means of the first controlmeans. Driving means for advancing the second package-engaging means arealso provided, these driving means operating to drive the secondpackage-engaging means at a rate faster than the driving means of thefirst package control means, whereby indeterminately and/orintermittently I fed packages from a previous packaging operation areselectively taken under control by the first package control means,placed in control of the second package-engaging means and subsequentlydischarged at a constant rate from the apparatus.

According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the packagecontrol system comprises package-engaging means mounted on endless beltsor equivalent structures. To this end, the upper package control meanscomprises a pair of endless belts mounting first and second controlmeans, the first control means being spaced apart from the secondcontrol means a predetermined distance. A preferred embodiment is wherethe first and second control means comprises flight bars mounted on theendless chains with a packageengaging surface. In a still furtherembodiment, each control means of the upper control system is the samewith the control means serving two functions-Le. to initially engage theleading end of a package and subsequently to present the package to thesecond control system of the apparatus.

The second control system of the apparatus is preferably constructed ina manner similar to that just described in the first control system. Tothis end, there may be provided spaced-apart endless belts-cg. chainbelts, mounting flight bars adapted to engage a package uponpresentation from the second control means of the first package-engagingsystem.

The means for driving the first and second package control systems arepreferably taken from a single source for reasons of simplicity. To thisend, a common drive source may be provided and through appropriate gearreduction systems, drive the upper and lower control system. If desired,the same common motor source used to drive the first systems of theapparatus may also be connected to components not related to thisapparatus-cg. a conveyor for supplying packages to the inlet end of theapparatus and/or to a wrapping mechanism of a wrapping station.

As previously mentioned, the lower control system is driven at a ratefaster than that of the upper control system. For this reason, theleading end of a package will engage the first package control means ofthe first control system and upon the second cooperatingpackage-engaging means of a first control system taking over, willpresent the package to the second package-engaging means. For thisreason, it is preferred to have a construction whereby the secondpackage control means of the first engaging system causes the package tobe lowered into operative relationship for engagement by the secondsystem. This may be accomplished by providing a supporting spring-loadedsurface with a lever of the second type whereby the second cooperatingpackage-engaging means can displace the package downwardly into engagingposition.

The spacing of the various package-engaging means of the first andsecond control systems, will depend on the commodity being packaged andthe number of packages to be fed and aligned to a wrapping station of awrapping apparatus. Thus, as used in the specification and claims, it isto be understood that when reference is made to a package, that one or aplurality of packages can be processed according to one of the objectsof the present invention. Thus, the packageengaging means of the firstcontrol system will be spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodatethe desired number of packages, and when the desired number of packagesare under the control of the first package control means, the secondcontrol means of the first system will replace the last in the series ofpackages into package-engaging position for the second system, wherebythe second system will feed the desired number of packages to thewrapping station.

Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now bemade to the accompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments,and in which;

FIG. I is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. ll;

FIG. 3 is a section taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. A is a view similar to FIG. 3, but with certain parts removed;

FIG. 5 is a section taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. s is a section taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 is a simplified top plan view of the apparatus showing thecommodity control means, and the driving scheme.

With reference to the drawings, the apparatus of this invention isindicated generally by reference numeral 10, operating in conjunctionwith a package-receiving station 12 of a wrapping apparatus.

The apparatus includes frame 14, mounting a housing 16 having inlet andoutlet or discharge ends 18 and 20 respectively. A conveyor 22, rotatingabout wheel 24, terminates short of inlet end 18, and is adapted to feedarticles from a prior operation. Wheel 24 is rotatably journaled byshaft 26 mounted in bushing 28 on frame 14. The shaft 26 is rotated bydrive wheel 32, as will be hereinafter described.

Connected to frame 14 are longitudinal guide members 36 and 360, eachcomprised of a vertical arm 38 and a horizontal arm 40. Arm 38 extendsfrom near the inlet end 18 to beyond the discharge end 20, serving toguide packages in a straight line. Arm 40 is relatively short, andextends inwardly from discharge end 20 only a short distancesee FIG. 4.It functions to support packages as they are advanced from the dischargeend 2'0 to a stacker of a wrapping apparatus 12.

A pivoted plate 42 forms a support bed for packages during passagethrough the apparatus 10. Plate 42 is secured to frame 44 journaled onshaft 46, which in turn is mounted on frame 14, and held in place withbolts 48. In this manner, plate 42 is free to move upwardly anddownwardly, as it is essentially a second class lever. Adjustable spring50 secured to frame 44 may be tensioned by eyebolts 52 to create thedesired degree of tension on plate 42.

The tension created by spring 50 normally maintains the end 42a of plate42 in a raised level, thus presenting a surface at the same level as theconveyor 22 for receiving a package. In the embodiment shown, theapparatus includes an optional intermediate surface 43 between theterminal end of the conveyor 22 and the plate end 42a.

The first package-engaging means includes a pair of spacedapart endlesschain belts 74, rotating about sprockets 76 journaled on shafts 78.Shafts 78 are mounted in bushings 80 located on frame 14. One of theshafts, 78', is connected to drive means, described hereinafter.

Spaced-apart pairs of flight bars 82 are mounted on belts 74. Eachflight bar of both control systems, as will be seen, includes a flatface adapted to abut a package end.

The upper package control means includes a tensioning drive to loosen ortighten the belts 74, and comprises adjustable bolts 63, and atightening nut 70, mounted on a frame 72'. Supporting surface 86 mountedon shafts 88 retains the belts in the desired plane so that the flightbars 82 will be at the desired level for controlling the package. Thus,these bars 82 are also pushing packages downwards on springloaded plate42 and placing packages into a position when bars 66 are taking thepackages away.

Referring now to the second package-engaging means beneath thesupporting surface defined by the plate 42, in the embodiment shown,this includes a pair of spaced-apart endless chain belts 54, joumaledabout four pairs of sprockets 56, each of which are mounted on shafts 58rotatably mounted on -frame 14 by bushings 60. One of the shafts, 58',is connected to a drive sprocket 64, described hereinafter, thusrotating chain belts 54. A support surface 55, connected through rods 57to frame 14, retains the chain belts in a longitudinal plane whenpassing beneath plate 42. I

Mounted in opposed alignment, through connecting means 63 on belts 54,are flight bars 66 constituting packaging, engaging and control means.Flight bars 66 on each belt 54 are spaced a predetermined distance apartand extend on either side of plate 42 as well as projecting above theplate for the purpose previously explained. Connected to one of theshafts 58 is a chain belt tensioning device comprising an adjustablebolt 68 and tightening nut 70 mounted on frame 72 whereby the Mlttension may be loosened or tightened as required.

In the embodiment shown, means for driving both packaging controlsystems are taken from a common motor source (not shown), as well asproviding, from the same source, drive means for operating the conveyor.

The power from the motor source is transmitted to a drive shaft to agear box 92, where an appropriate reduction is made; see FIG. 7. Driveshaft 94 connected to the gearbox mounts a first gearwheel 96, rotatinga drive belt 34 connected to a gearwheel 32. This latter gear rotatesgear 35 journaled on shaft 37, which mounts the conveyor wheel 24, thusrotating the conveyor 22; see FIG. 3.

The upper and lower package control systems are driven as follows: driveshaft 24 also mounts a further gear 98 driving belt 100 connected todrive sprocket64 mounted on shaft 58. This rotates a complete lowerpackage control system previously described.

Mounted in the apparatus adjacent shaft 58 is a rotatable shaft 104journaled in bushings I06. Shaft 104 mounts a sprocket 108 (FIG. 2).Joumaled on shaft 58' in a further sprocket I10, and belt 112 connectssprocket 108 and whereby the rotation of shaft 58' will cause rotationof shaft 104. At the opposite end of sprocket 108 on shaft 104 is afurther sprocket 114, mounting drive belt 116 connected to a sprocketI18 journaled on shaft 78 of the upper control system. Thus, rotation ofshaft 104 will cause rotation of shaft 78 driving the upper controlsystem in a predetermined relationship to the movement of the lowerpackage control system.

In the apparatus above described, and as previously mentioned, the lowerpackage control system rotates at a speed faster than that of the upperpackage control system. This is accomplished by appropriate gear ratiowherein one gear has a larger ratio than another; and with a differentgearreversing rotation of the shaft 78.

The packages thus under the control of a lower package control systemare fed from the discharge end of the apparatus 10 to a suitablewrapping apparatus. With reference to FIG. 1, a portion of such anapparatus is disclosed and consisting of an elevator platfomt 120, endmember 122 being adapted to prevent the packages from being displacedoff platform 120, and packaging-engaging means 124 adapted to retain aplurality of packages on the elevator. In this case, the elevator isshown as an upwardly movable elevator whereupon packages P placed on theelevator are moved upwardly for processing according to a furtherwrapping operation. Thus, in the embodiments shown in the drawings,where it is desired to provide two packages P on the elevator, at thesame time, the apparatus 10 is so arranged to selectively advance, alignand feed two packages at a given time by providing a distance betweenflight bars 82 and 66 on the upper and lower control systems sufficientfor two packages to be processed.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for successively aligning and conveying packages one-by-onewhile under positive control, comprising in combination: a support frame(14) including an inlet (18) and an outlet (20); horizontal supportmeans (42) on said support frame and extending generally between saidinlet and outlet and defining a path of travel for packagestherebetween;

said horizontal support means comprises a plate member pivotally mountedon said support frame on a forward, transverse pivot axis, and springmeans (50) connected to said plate member and normally urging said plateupwardly at its end adjacent said inlet;

first power-operated, package-engaging means on said support frame andoverlying said horizontal support means and extending therealong;

said first package-engaging means including traveling abutments (82)moveable in a path overlying and depending toward said support meansfrom said inlet to outlet for engagement with the leading end of apackage fed onto said support means;

second power-operated, package-engaging means on said support frame andunderlying said horizontal support means and extending therealong;

said second package-engaging means including traveling abutments (66)flanking said horizontal support means for movement therealong andengaging the trailing end of a package fed onto said support means; and

means operatively connected to said first and second package-engam'ngmeans for driving them along said horizontal support means at differentspeed.

2. The structure as claimed in claim l in which said first and secondpackage-engaging means comprise endless conveyors respectively havinglower and upper runs disposed in substantially fixed paths of travelrelative to said plate member, said abutments having an abutment facesubstantially normal to the respective paths of travel.

3. The structure as claimed in claim?! in which said endless conveyorscomprise spaced pairs of link belts disposed in flanking relation withrespect to said path of travel, said drive means being common to each ofthe respective packageengaging means and including endless beltforce-transmitting elements.

d. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said plate memberincludes an elongated plate element having a forward depending lever,said lever being intermediately pivoted on said transverse pivot axis,said spring means being connected to a lower portion of said lever andextending rearwardly beneath said plate element.

1. Apparatus for successively aligning and conveying packages one-by-onewhile under positive control, comprising in combination: a support frame(14) including an inlet (18) and an outlet (20); horizontal supportmeans (42) on said support frame and extending generally between saidinlet and outlet and defining a path of travel for packagestherebetween; said horizontal support means comprises a plate memberpivotally mounted on said support frame on a forward, transverse pivotaxis, and spring means (50) connected to said plate member and normallyurging said plate upwardly at its end adjacent said inlet; firstpower-operated, package-engaging means on said support frame andoverlying said horizontal support means and extending therealong; saidfirst package-engaging means including traveling abutments (82) moveablein a path overlying and depending toward said support means from saidinlet to outlet for engagement with the leading end of a package fedonto said support means; second power-operated, package-engaging meanson said support frame and underlying said horizontal support means andextending therealong; said second package-engaging means includingtraveling abutments (66) flanking said horizontal support means formovement therealong and engaging the trailing end of a package fed ontosaid support means; and means operatively connected to said first andsecond packageengaging means for driving them along said horizontalsupport means at different speed.
 2. The structure as claimed in claim 1in which said first and second package-engaging means comprise endlessconveyors respectively having lower and upper runs disposed insubstantially fixed paths of travel relative to said plate member, saidabutments having an abutment face substantially normal to the respectivepaths of travel.
 3. The structure as claimed in claim 2 in which saidendless conveyors comprise spaced pairs of link belts disposed inflanking relation with respect to said path of travel, said drive meansbeing common to each of the respective package-engaging means andincluding endless belt force-transmitting elements.
 4. The structure asclaimed in claim 1 in which said plate member includes an elongatedplate element having a forward depending lever, said lever beingintermediately pivoted on said transverse pivot axis, said spring meansbeing connected to a lower portion of said lever and extendingrearwardly beneath said plate element.